Coronavirus: Disney and Universal shut down parks and resorts till March end amid rising safety concerns
Amid coronavirus concerns, Disney is closing its parks in Florida, Paris, and California. In addition, it is also suspending its cruise until the end of the month. While there have been no positive cases in any of these places, officials announced the parks and the cruise will be closing this weekend.
Disney issued an official statement. “While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the Governor of California’s executive orders, we are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure beginning the morning of March 14 through the end of the month.”
It also added: "The hotels of Disneyland Resort will remain open until Monday, March 16, to give guests the ability to make necessary travel arrangements; Downtown Disney will remain open. We will monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and health agencies. Disney will continue to pay cast members during this time."
"Disneyland Resort will work with guests who wish to change or cancel their visits, and will provide refunds to those who have hotel bookings during this closure period," the statement said. "We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries."
In related news, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Resort also announced both resorts would be shut following the concerns of the deadly pandemic. The Hollywood park would close this weekend and reopen March 28. According to an NBC Los Angeles report: "The health and safety of our team members and guests is always our top priority.
Out of an abundance of caution and in response to the guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health, Universal Studios Hollywood will temporarily close beginning Saturday, March 14. The theme park anticipates reopening on March 28 as we continue to monitor the situation," park officials said.